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DMOS Collective

Some people think that a full tank of gas and keys are the only things needed to drive a car. Sure, you can sometimes get away with being underprepared, but not during the winter. Factors like snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make winter driving a lot more demanding than normal.

You should be prepared for typical accidents that could potentially happen on the road at any time, but during the winter we're also tasked with shoveling snow, scraping ice from our windows, making sure our tires have good traction, maintaining safe tire pressure, and more.

Whether you're taking a spirited drive for fun or traveling from point A to point B, there a few things that everyone should keep in their car at all times during the winter.

No matter what year, make, or model your car is, it should come with basics like a tire iron and jack, but those two items alone won't cut it. If you end up with a dead battery or a car that's stuck in the snow, you'll want a few other things to help you out.

Check out the 12 items you should keep in your car at all times this winter, below:

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A packable shovel

DMOS Collective

It goes without saying that shovels are useful during the winter, but having one specifically dedicated to your car is a wise move. If you've ever had to dig your car out after a snow storm or gotten stuck along a snow-covered road, you know how convenient it is to keep one in your trunk.

When picking a shovel to store in the car, people are forced to pick a cheap mini shovel that's bound to break for the sake of saving space, or a full-size shovel that will take up your entire cargo space for better efficiency. With a DMOS Collective shovel, you get the best of both worlds. Made in the USA using aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, every DMOS shovel features serrated teeth for breaking ice and a collapsible handle for easy storage. Choose the Alpha for a full-sized shovel or the Stealth for an even more compact design. You'll never have to buy another shovel again, and it will fit your trunk perfectly.

A snow and ice scraper

Amazon

A snow and ice scraper is easily the most used tool for drivers during the winter. Keeping one handy will allow you to efficiently clear off your windows and lights before driving, instead of resorting to using your hands. The Snow Angel features an extendable telescopic arm, so it's easy to store and won't take up a lot of space when not in use.

Jumper cables

Amazon

A dead battery is one of the most common car issues, so jumper cables are a must-have. Whether you accidentally left your lights on or cold weather drained your battery, this will bring your car back to life. EPAuto uses thick 4-gauge cables for solid and reliable conductivity.

A flashlight

Amazon

Keeping a flashlight in your car year round is a good idea, but with less daylight during the winter, it can be especially useful. Sure, your smart phone has a flashlight app on it, but it's not as useful as a real one. Whether changing a tire or jumping your car, you want something that shines bright and is durable. The Outlite A100 has a bright light with an adjustable focus and five modes, including a disrupter strobe and SOS function. It's also waterproof, so you'll be able to use it in any weather conditions.

A gas can

Amazon

Running out of gas can be a major headache at any time of the year, but it's definitely worse in the winter. You don't want to store fuel in your trunk, but keeping a small gas container in your car can save you from a tow. Just walk to the nearest gas station and this more than 1 gallon tank will give you enough gas to drive to safety.

An external battery

Amazon

You probably already own a battery pack for keeping your electronics charged on-the-go, but having one that's always in your car is important. It can be the difference between making a quick call for help or being stranded for hours. The NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 acts as a charger flash, led flashlight, and even has a plug-in to jumpstart your car.

A good spare tire

Sears

If your tires don't have good tread, you absolutely want to replace them before winter comes. Driving in wet, snowy, or icy conditions with bald tires extremely dangerous and shouldn't be done. Go for a quality set of all-season tires or you have an extra set of wheels, opt for a set of snow tires to run on your car during the winter months. In addition to the wheels on your car, it's important to keep a spare that's in solid condition.

Air compressor

Amazon

Whether your tires are brand new or used, cold weather can a loss of tire pressure. Since keeping the correct tire pressure is important to driving safely, an air compressor is a convenient way to maintain good tire pressure at all times. The P.I. Auto Store Air Compressor plugs right into your car's 12 volt power outlet and features a guage to let you know you've reached the correct PSI.

A first-aid kit

Amazon

You never know when you'll need a first aid kit, so keeping a small one in your car is always smart. The Swiss Safe 2-in-1 comes with a 120-piece kit and a smaller bonus 32-piece kit. The packable case makes it easy to store or carry.

A basic tool kit

Amazon

Even if you're not a mechanic, having a basic tool kit can save the day when simple fixes need to be done. The Apollo 56-Piece kit includes everything you'll need for basic repairs — a wrench, sockets, allen keys, pliers, a screwdriver, zip ties and more.

Cat litter

Amazon

Have you ever been stuck in the snow and your tires just keep on spinning and spinning, no matter how much gas you give it? Even with new tires, certain cars can still lose traction, but luckily there a solution — cat litter. Simply spread the litter underneath the tires without traction and you'll be able drive away from the slippery snow and ice. Whether you own a furry feline or not, cat litter should be on your Amazon shopping list. It's such a cheap and easy solution, everyone should keep some handy.

A warm blanket

Amazon

Being stranded isn't exactly fun any time of year, but during the winter it's more than a huge incovenience. Going from driving in a warm car with heat, to losing power and breaking down isn't never a good feeling. In the event that you do have to tough it out inside your car for a few hours our even over night, you're going to need a blanket to stay warm. You don't need a full comforter set, but a fleece blanket is warm and won't take up too much trunk space.

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